Santé Wine Bar & Bistro

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Historic Address with Serious Wine Credentials

Santé Wine Bar & Bistro occupies an 1880s-era building on Wisconsin Avenue in Historic Downtown Neenah — a space that once served as a pharmacy and now pours some of the most carefully chosen wines in the Fox Valley. That combination of old bones and forward-looking taste earned Santé the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a recognition that speaks directly to the depth and quality of the wine program here.

The Wine List, in Matt Gloede's Own Words

The list is the work of Matt Gloede, the owner whose name is on the contact email and whose voice shapes the experience. On the wine list page he writes plainly: "Wine has been a passion of mine for so many years. Cultivating a wine list like this has been a dream come true, and being able to share it with my home town and Downtown Neenah has been such a joy." The list is organized by varietal, then country, then region — a structure designed for ease rather than intimidation — and guests are actively encouraged to talk through it with the staff.

The team behind the selections has spent over a decade in the world of wine, sourcing bottles from around the globe in styles that go well beyond what typically turns up in a Wisconsin bar. The menu rotates frequently, keeping regulars curious and rewarded.

The Atmosphere and the Philosophy

Santé describes itself as a gathering place for wine, cocktails, small bites, and a "sophisticated, social atmosphere." The guiding philosophy is summed up in their own tagline: "Life is short. Drink like it." Anti-snobbery is a stated value — the bar is presented as a home opened up to guests, where questions are welcomed and no one is made to feel out of their depth.

The American small plates menu leans on fresh ingredients sourced locally, from around Wisconsin, and from further afield. Private events can be hosted in the space as well, with curated wines and professional staff on hand.

The Wine Club

For regulars who want more, Santé runs a tiered wine club. The entry-level House membership delivers two hand-picked bottles monthly along with Happy Hour access and a monthly tasting event. The Sommelier and Chateau tiers add progressively deeper discounts and VIP perks. All bottles are available for in-store pickup only — a detail that keeps the community connection intact.